Methuen man charged with raping 10-year-old girl

Posted: 07/13/12 at 4:35 pm EDT      Last Updated: 07/13/12 at 4:51 pm EDT

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Methuen man is being held without bail after he was charged with raping a 10-year-old girl.

John Lafavre, 63, answered to multiple counts of statutory rape and posing a child for sexual photos in Lawrence District Court Friday.

“It’s an ongoing investigation involving some indecent acts with a child,” said Captain Kristopher McCarthy, Methuen Police Department.

The victim is a 10-year-old girl. The police report indicates the alleged incidents took place over the last four years when the victim was as young as six.

“If what they’re saying is true, we’re a little horrified. A little scared. We have children, I have a daycare. I’m very upset,” said Tanya Alberghene, a concerned neighbor.

No one answered the door at Lafavre’s Frye Road residence where he lives with his wife.

Police executed a search warrant at the home Thursday night in a backyard barn. They seized several computers, pictures, and other evidence that they are still processing.

“There’s a ton of evidence to go through in the computers, being analyzed at this time,” said Captain McCarthy.

“Like I said, if he’s held accountable and these things prove to be true, I hope he never hits the street again. That’s all,” said Sam Facella, a concerned neighbor.

Lafavre is being held without bail. He is due back in court next week for a dangerousness hearing.

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